The cases of eighteen patients who underwent thoracotomy for treatment
of tracheoesophageal fistula or esophageal atresia were reviewed after a
follow-up of ten years or more. In nine patients spinal curves of 10
degrees or more had developed, and eight of the nine curves were convex
away from the side of incision. Curves were found to have appeared at any
time from early childhood to skeletal maturity, but those that developed
before the adolescent growth spurt were most likely to progress. Patients
who have undergone thoracotomy early in childhood should be watched
carefully for the development of scoliosis.